CHPA Statement on Multivitamin Study Presented at American Association of Cancer Research Conference

News provided by

Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Oct 17, 2012, 12:06 ET

Large-scale, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial shows modest cancer reduction benefit of multivitamins in middle-aged and older men

WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Results from the Physicians' Health Study II presented today at the American Association of Cancer Research conference and published online in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed a modest—but statistically significant—cancer reduction benefit associated with long-term, daily multivitamin use by middle-aged and older men. Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA) President and CEO Scott M. Melville released the following statement today in response to the study:

"Multivitamins play a prominent role in consumers' healthy lifestyle routines and are regularly taken by more than one-third of American adults to fill nutritional gaps and enhance health. This landmark study underscores the positive impact of vitamins on men's health specifically and consumer health generally. Previous studies have demonstrated benefits of vitamins in other important areas of health such as vitamin D and calcium in bone health, folic acid to prevent birth defects, antioxidants on immune function, and more.

"CHPA members' products have long been a cornerstone of good health, and this study now demonstrates the potential role of accessible and affordable consumer health products like multivitamins in cancer prevention. Like so many consumer health products, multivitamins are widely available, affordable, and come in a broad range of formulations for men and women across every stage of life. Now more than ever, consumers should strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and exercise, and can continue to rely on vitamins to fill nutritional gaps and enhance health."

CHPA is the 131-year-old-trade association representing U.S. manufacturers and distributors of over-the-counter medicines and dietary supplements.

www.chpa-info.org

SOURCE Consumer Healthcare Products Association